With catering, flowers, music, and a myriad of other details to arrange, planning your wedding can be both exhilarating and anxiety provoking. Discover the latest trends and follow these tips to reduce stress and survive the months leading up to your big day.

Your ceremony and reception site

Weekday ceremonies are increasing in popularity in the U.S. Off-day weddings can substantially reduce your overall costs. Whatever day you choose, unlimited options are available for your ceremony and reception sites, so long as you plan well in advance.

Before you commit to a site or officiant, ask about their rules pertaining to the ceremony and wording of vows. Find out what fees the facility and officiant charge, how many guests may attend, and what decorations are supplied.

When planning your reception, keep in mind facilities often book a year in advance, particularly for Saturdays. Choose a reception location near your ceremony with plenty of parking, an adequate space for mingling and/or dancing, and plenty of lighting, outlets, and power. Also ask about facility restrictions and whether you can use your own caterer, florist, and entertainment.

Catering

Ethnic cuisines are growing in popularity for receptions, and there are plenty of choices sure to please your wedding party and guests. Traditional Japanese, Indian, Mexican, Middle Eastern, and Italian are all excellent choices.

Before meeting with a caterer, decide the dishes you’d like to serve. When you meet, ask to see photos of the foods.

Don’t rule out a plate dinner either until you discuss the cost. The price difference between that and a buffet is often nominal.

Also, discuss with the caterer how the food will be served and what the servers will wear. Then get a written quote that includes costs of the food, beverages, service, decorating, set up and clean up, and the number of people to be served.

The wedding cake

Wedding cakes are more scrumptious than ever with a broader array of fillings and frostings to choose from. Designs that are currently quite popular include cakes decorated with rosettes, metallics, ruffles, monograms, geometric designs, and even painted cakes.

Take photos with you of some of your favorite designs when you meet with your cake maker. Ask to see photos of the baker’s designs as well. Be sure to discuss your budget and the number of guests with the baker. Also, schedule a tasting to determine the combinations you like best and ask if the baker will deliver your cake.

Music

Theme music for wedding receptions has become very popular ranging from ethnic to movie soundtracks. Ballroom dancing is also particularly hot right now as is classic music from a particular genre or era.

Finally, on your wedding day, make sure the sound system is adjusted to avoid music that blares or is too low.

Florist

Bold colors and big bridal bouquets are in. Dahlias, particularly Café au lait, are one of the most popular flowers right now.

Before you meet with your florist, visit the library and flip through floral and garden books. Make a list of your flower preferences as well as your dislikes. Then compile a list of your floral needs. This will include the bridal bouquet, boutonnières, hair flowers, bridesmaid bouquets, corsages, and wedding and reception arrangements. Also, determine the quantity you’ll need of each.

When you visit your florist, discuss colors and make sure bridesmaids’ bouquets will complement, but not match, their dresses. Ask about substitution policies, freshness guarantees, and the charges for consultations, flowers, decorations, and delivery fees.

Photographers and videographers

Photojournalism is quite popular in wedding photography. So your first step is to decide between traditional posed photographs and candid shots by a photojournalist.

You may also want to consider having your special moment captured on video.

Whatever you choose, make sure your contract includes the following: the number of hours for shooting or filming, the number of shots and rolls of film to be taken, package details including the number and sizes of photos, and the costs.

Also, check with your wedding facility for any restrictions on photography.

Then, a few days before your wedding, send your photographer a list of the wedding party, close family and friends, and specific photos you want taken.

Stationer

Many couples today are designing their invitations with computer software. If this isn’t your thing, don’t worry. You’ll be able to choose between some templates provided by your stationer.

When you visit your stationer, ask to see samples of paper types, invitation styles, and the ink colors available. Make your selection according to the formality of your wedding.

Also, ask if the stationer can print maps and directions and do the folding and inserting. Then decide whether you’ll include your reception details on enclosures or the ceremony invitation and whether to include response cards.

Finally, before placing your order, make sure your guest list is complete. Also, have both of your families review your order to avoid errors.

Wedding attire

Capes and caplets, which come in a variety of styles, are one of the latest trends in bridal attire. Another big trend is adding a touch of black in a statement bow or other detail. Pastel blue bridal gowns are also making a splash. Features that are especially hot right now include sheer corsets, pearl embellishments, and cascading ruffles.

When you try on gowns, make sure you can stretch your arms, sit, and walk comfortably. The contract for your order should include the store’s alteration policy and cost, delivery date, and gown details including color, fabric, and the designer and style number of the dress.

As for bridesmaid’s dresses, these are becoming less of a burden for the bride-to-be. Bridesmaids still wear same color gowns, but current trends allow each bridesmaid to choose her style. Tea length dresses are particularly popular right now as well as two-piece ensembles.

Grooms are also becoming more involved in planning their weddings and choosing their tuxedo or suit. Offer your assistance to your fiancé, but allow him to make the final decision on his attire.

Registry

When you register for gifts, don’t forget to take along the groom-to-be. This is now the standard.

If you register in a fine shop, be sure to register at a moderately priced store as well to accommodate all of your guests. Keep out-of-town guests in mind also when choosing where to register.

When the big day arrives

As your wedding day draws near, expect the unexpected, and don’t let surprises upset your day. In all the hustle and bustle, remember the most important part of your wedding isn’t the details of the ceremony or celebration but the commitment you and your fiancé make to each other. Keeping that in mind on your wedding day will ensure you see it as a success whatever bumps you might run into.

Kimberly Blaker is a lifestyle freelance writer. Her articles have appeared in more than 250 newspapers, parenting and women’s magazines throughout the U.S. and Canada.